As winter approaches the city’s “bicycle season” is winding down. Official statistics unfortunately show that the number of fatal bicycle accidents in New York City this year has already topped last year’s and there are still months to go before 2016 comes to an end.
In 2015 the New York Department of Transportation reported 14 fatal bicycle accidents in New York City. This number is very close to that of previous year that many safety advocates wonder whether the money NYC is spending on bike lanes, reduced speed zones, and public awareness is actually having any effect.
2016 has been especially horrific for cyclists in the city. As of early September, there have already been 17 fatal bicycle accidents in New York City. That’s three more than last year with a little more than three months still to go before the New Year. To put that in perspective, at this time last year, there had been only 11 cycling deaths in Ne w York.
These fatalities have made 2016 one of the deadliest for bicyclists in New York in recent history. In 2013-the next deadliest year out of the past five-there were a total of 18 fatal crashes. 2016 is just one fatality away.
It’s not only fatalities that bike riders have to worry about. The number of bicycle accidents in New York resulting in injuries has climbed up by over 600 in just the past two years. It seems like that with all of the safety improvements being put in place, the numbers should be dropping.
Some blame the number of bicycles on city streets. Ridership has increased at a rate of about 4% per year. This creates more opportunities for potential collisions. However, safety on the streets are the responsibility of both the driver and the cyclists.
If you or a loved one has been injured while riding anywhere in NYC contact the experienced New York City bicycle accident attorneys at the Law offices of Nussin S. Fogel. For the compensation you deserve, call 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 without any further delay.